Harvey Umstead, a dedicated FBI agent known for his kindness and commitment to service, passed away on December 20, 2023, following an extended illness. Born on January 30, 1937, in Lincoln, MO, Harvey led a life marked by devotion to his family and a distinguished career in federal law enforcement.

As both Harvey’s parents were teachers, he attended schools in several small towns in the central Missouri area. He gave his life to Christ at VBS in Urich, MO, and continued his journey of embodying Christ to others.

Harvey joined the FBI straight out of high school in the fingerprint lab in Washington, DC. After two years, he was able to return and serve in the Kansas City, MO FBI office. While serving there, he also served in the Air National Guard. He took a four-year break from the FBI to serve in the United States Air Force, two years of which were spent in Alaska. At the end of his Air Force service, he returned to the FBI and, while working there, pursued a degree in history from Washburn University. Upon graduation, he attended the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA, and became an FBI agent. He served in Chicago, New York, and Kansas City, earning respect for his integrity and dedication throughout his 34-year career in the FBI and 38-year career in service of his country.

Harvey met Shirley Umstead in his parents’ hometown of Lincoln, MO, where she was serving as a schoolteacher. He became her best friend and the true love of her life. They were married June 7, 1975. She then joined him in Chicago, where he was stationed as an FBI agent. In 1976, they were transferred to New York. While there, they had their son, Randy, who was and remains the joy of their lives.

In 1980, they received their much-desired transfer to Kansas City, Missouri, where Harvey served the remainder of his career, until his retirement in 1992. In 2003, Harvey and Shirley moved to Maranatha Village in Springfield, Missouri. They became active members of National Heights Baptist Church and continued their service to the Lord they loved.

Harvey’s clear priority in life was to care for his family, and his kindness, humor, and wisdom were constants in their lives. Harvey’s faith was an integral part of who he was, and he lived by Christian values, exemplifying compassion and generosity to everyone he encountered. His genuine care for others left a lasting impact on the lives of those around him.

He is preceded in death by his mother Fern, father Fred, and sister Eva May. He is survived by his wife Shirley, son Randy, daughter-in-law Bronwen, his brother Brice, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Harvey will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by his compassion, humor, and dedication to others.

A memorial service to honor Harvey Umstead’s life will be held on December 27 at 11:00 am at National Heights Baptist Church, with visitation at 10:00 am, allowing friends and family to celebrate his legacy of kindness and service. He will be interred during a graveside service at Lincoln Cemetery in Lincoln, MO, at approximately 3:00 pm that same day. While his presence will be dearly missed, his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory can be sent to:

National Heights Baptist Church

https://nationalheights.org/donate/

or you may mail your donation to:

National Heights Baptist Church

3050 N. National

Springfield, MO 65803

Maranatha Village

https://www.mvlife.org/give#

or checks can be sent to:

Maranatha Village

233 E. Norton Road

Springfield, MO 65803

Please write Maranatha Village 0300368 in the memo line